NORTH WILKESBORO––A Hays man has died, following a fatal collision in Wilkes County.

According to a Thursday statement from Master Trooper Christopher Casey of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, at about 2 p.m. on Wednesday, NCSHP personnel responded to and investigated a fatal collision on NC-268 at Liberty Grove Road. A 2012 “Tao-Tao” scooter, travelling north on Liberty Grove Road, entered the intersection on a red light and was struck by a 2020 “Hino” box truck travelling west on NC-268.

Casey continues that the driver of the scooter, Kevin Scott Johnson, 60, was transported by medical helicopter to Atrium Wake-Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem. Once there, he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the box truck, Basel B. Qasem, 36 of Clifton, N.J., was not injured, as Casey states.

“NC-268 was partially closed in the area for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation,” he adds. “The initial investigation does not indicate speed or impairment to be contributing factors in the collision. No charges will be filed in this case.”

Update on Sherrill’s Ford officer-involved collision

In other news, Casey offers an update on the Sept. 15 collision in Sherrill’s Ford. This incident involved Catawba County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jarrett Isaac.

“After consulting with the Catawba County District Attorney’s Office, Deputy Jarrett Isaac was charged with careless and reckless driving,” Casey informs. “Isaac was issued a citation and will appear in court at a future date.”